Senior Research Technician (111088-1125)

For informal enquiries, please contact Ryan Mushinski Associate Professor at ryan.mushinski@warwick.ac.uk

Fixed Term Contract | 36.5 hours per week | Funding available for 36 months subject to funding being awarded, the duration may need to be shortened up to a max 34 months depending on the starting salary of the successful candidate.

The Global Talent Visa is applicable for this vacancy.

Title: Nitrogen Oxide Isotapes for Soil Emissions (NOISE)

Funder: NERC via. Uni of York

Project Duration: 25.09.2025 – 24.09.2029 

About the group/team

You will join Dr Ryan Mushinski’s Environmental Processes research group in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick. Our group focuses on soil biogeochemistry and nitrogen cycling, with particular expertise in understanding microbial processes controlling reactive nitrogen emissions from agricultural soils. This position is part of the NERC-funded NOISE project, a collaboration between the University of Warwick and the University of York, bringing together world-leading expertise in microbial biogeochemistry and atmospheric chemistry to address a major uncertainty in predictions of future atmospheric change.

The role is based in our state-of-the-art laboratories at Warwick’s School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, with access to cutting-edge analytical equipment including mass spectrometers, greenhouse gas analyzers, FTIR spectrometers, and molecular biology facilities. You will also work closely with Dr Pete Edwards at the University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) and conduct fieldwork at Warwick’s Stratford Innovation Campus experimental facilities.

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences and specialized technical training workshops.

We are looking for someone with expertise in analytical biogeochemistry, particularly with hands-on experience operating and maintaining sophisticated analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers, spectroscopic gas analysers (e.g., cavity ring-down, FTIR), and soil/gas analysis equipment. You should have strong technical skills in instrument calibration, troubleshooting, and data quality assurance.

The successful candidate will serve as the analytical expert in the laboratory, taking responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of multiple analytical platforms. You will need to be comfortable with both laboratory-based analyses and field deployments, including setting up and operating automated soil chamber systems and gas sampling equipment in agricultural settings.

We also welcome applications from people with experience in environmental monitoring, agricultural research, or atmospheric science. Additional desirable skills include molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR), experience with isotope analysis, knowledge of greenhouse gas measurement protocols, or familiarity with soil microbiology methods.

Applicants should be proficient in operating and maintaining analytical instrumentation (mass spectrometers, gas analysers, spectroscopic systems), data management and quality control procedures, health and safety protocols for laboratory and field work, and working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

School of Life Sciences

For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website at

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 1st January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here. 

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: To be confirmed

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 26 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. Find out more about our flexible working arrangements.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.